Comment (or ping) on each blog and let them know you have nominated them and provide the link to the post you created.

How Hot Shot Headlines Started

I majored in Communication Studies, Mass Media, in college. That’s a fancy title for journalism. I also minored in English, Writing & Rhetoric. In 2007, I had dreams of being the next Katie Couric, or at least eventually living and working in New York City. Four years later, I graduated, and headed back home to Hampton Roads. I worked a few temp jobs before I got my first “big girl” job at a major health system, learning everything about health insurance, plus the ins and outs of contracts, analytics, percentages, and communicating via email and the phone.

Five years have passed, I’m still with Riverside, and my blog has continued to grow. I’m not getting paid to be a journalist, but I’m just as happy with writing about whatever I want, whenever I want, and throwing in some news articles and hot topics for good measure.

For New Bloggers

Don’t be afraid to write how you feel – Don’t hold back profanity, etc. Your blog is your own. Just as long as you’re not trashing your current employer! You don’t want to lose your job.

Post as much as you want, but don’t be afraid to take a break. I don’t write blog posts at all when I’m on vacation with Al, for example. I’ve also gotten burnt out several times. But, when I give myself a break, I start to miss blogging, and then I come back to it refreshed and rejuvenated!

And The Nominees Are …

Disclaimer:Do not feel obligated to accept this nomination or award – It will not hurt my feelings. Several bloggers I know do not accept awards, and I completely understand! The purpose of these awards are to recognize that you’re an awesome blogger! I don’t want to pressure anyone into anything!

July felt like one of the longest months to me, but I think that’s because of two weeks of suffering through AC issues (Now gloriously fixed!), and we didn’t have many plans during the weekends. However, the end of the month always seems to sneak up on me!

This past week, I just ordered a Donation Bag through thredUP – I love that what I put into this bag, when it arrives, (including Al’s stuff!) will help our local Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation! There are three local charities that we can choose from, at any time.

The first time I made it, I followed the recipe step-by-step. It was really good!

When I made it again this week (Monday), I grilled the chicken on our George Foreman grill after marinating it for over 24 hours with olive oil, water, salt, and pepper. Instead of spinach, I used a whole head of broccoli. Absolutely delicious! I made enough for us to have ample portions for five nights.

This week – Taco salad!

Set up a consistent cleaning schedule. — Accomplished!

I took a pen to our Chick-fil-A calendar in our kitchen, and basically alternated Kitchen, Bathrooms, and Floors on every weekend. I wrote it down for every Saturday, but I give myself all weekend to make sure whatever it is gets done.

I’ve also noticed that I now feel less stressed because I’ve broken it down in this way!

Update my resume. — Semi-Achieved.

The main thing I did was write down the highlights of my current job, and the skills that I’ve learned while working for Riverside so far. I just need to condense it down into something that’s resume-worthy.

I’m not planning on leaving my current job anytime soon, but I know that it’s a good idea to keep my resume updated and refreshed.

I also need to overhaul my LinkedIn profile.

Publish a bigger variety of blog posts. — Accomplished!

I felt really great about my posts this month – I counted 21 posts total!

As the incessant heat wave breaks a little bit this week, I feel like this photo is foreshadowing what fall could be like. This girl is beyond ready!

I look at this photo and I think about several great things happening in September and October – Savy’s epic bachelorette weekend in the mountains, and then Nick and Savy’s wedding at the Vardaro farm!

Also, knowing this photo was taken in Wisconsin makes me think of my beloved Green Bay Packers and football!

As much as I like summer, it’s just too hot and humid! I love the cooler air and the changing leaves much more.

The Sunshine Blogger Award is given to those who are creative, positive, and inspiring, while spreading sunshine to the blogging community.

The Rules

Thank the person/persons that nominated you and link back to their blog.

Answer the 11 questions your nominator has given you.

Nominate 11 other people, and give them 11 new questions to answer.

List the rules and display the award.

Questions from Jenna

One. What’s your favourite book from your childhood?

I read and re-read the American Girl“Central Series,” or the six books that were about the original Historical Characters, throughout my childhood. I had many of the books in my own library, and I checked out the others from the library. Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly were the original three girls when the company first started in 1986. Felicity was added in 1991, Addy debuted in 1993, and Josefina was introduced in 1997. Note – I shamelessly read them as an adult, too. I’m currently rebuilding my childhood collection!

Two. From the best of your knowledge, what is your favourite childhood memory?

I have so many! I think my favorite is playing with the kids in the cul-de-sacs of Leeward Drive and Leeward Court (where my parents still live), and hopping the fence in my backyard to access the city park. We had many neighborhood “Breakfast in the Park” get-togethers for years,

Three. What was your favourite subject in school? Why?

I’ve always loved English class more than anything else. I love to read, and I became a fairly good writer in elementary school. I think my love of reading and writing led to my decision to study journalism / Mass Media in college.

Four. If reincarnation is real, what would you like to come back as?

I’d love to be a guinea pig or a hedgehog. I had several guinea pigs growing up, and we took care of several for friends after ours passed away. My 6th grade Civics teacher had a classroom hedgehog named Curious, and I’ve wanted one of my own ever since.

Five. Name one reason why you would want to teleport to the future? What do you think it will behold?

I would love see if self-driving cars actually come to fruition, among other things. I would love to see revolutions in healthcare, cures for diseases (Cancer, Alzheimer’s, ALS, etc.), and agreement on tax reform!

Six. Who is your favourite hero/heroine in YA literature?

I loved Tally Youngblood inUglies. Thinking about it, I need to read the rest of the series (Three more books). But, when I read it for my YA Literature class in the spring of 2011, I thought the book was revolutionary.

Seven. You’ve won a million dollars; what’s the very first thing you do with the money?

I pay off our mortgage.

Eight. It’s movie watching time; what’s your favourite movie genre that you’re most likely going to watch? Do you have a favourite movie?

Forrest Gump has always been my favorite movie! If I’m not watching that movie, anything with Tom Hanks is a good choice.

Nine. You can instantly travel to anywhere in the world; where are you travelling to? Why?

I’m headed to Hawaii. I’ve always wanted to visit! There are so many things to do there. My parents have been several times – They climbed Diamond Head in 2009!

Ten. You find a genie (with no restrictions) and are the lucky one to have three of your wishes granted; what are they?

Have all of my novel attempts officially published and available to everyone.

Have a library like Belle’s in Beauty and the Beast be built in my house / on my property.

Pay off our mortgage, plus have about $20,000 available for several home improvements (New HVAC system, new windows, etc.)

Eleven. What book series or standalone novel would you recommend/do recommend to anyone? Why?

If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It’s one book that I re-read every single year, and it’s made a big impact on my life since reading it in high school.

Questions for the Nominees

Do you have a favorite sports team?

What movie are you most excited about for 2018?

If money was no object, what would be your dream job?

If you could do your school experience over again, would you have changed your field of study? If so, what would you pick?

What is your favorite breed of dog?

Do you have a dream pet(s)?

If you could embark on a week-long trip in the United States, where would you go?

It was an awesome reunion – Seeing Mia, Crystal and Steven, Jeremy and Chelsea, Rachel and Jason, Kudu, and others!

Attend the 10-year high school reunion with my IB classmates. — Accomplished!

After a few challenges, like changing restaurants, 18 of us (11 classmates, 7 spouses, and Sean’s not-so-little brother) gathered at Waterman’s at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Saturday, June 17th. We had a great time!

Thanks, Sean, for setting this up!

We had to wait an hour and a half for a table big enough to open up, so a bunch of us gathered on the boardwalk for a while. We stood in a huge circle and had a great time catching up and reminiscing. It was really great to have that opportunity, because by the time we got in the restaurant to eat, it was hard to hear everyone!

Markus was smart to hand his phone to our waiter! This is one of the better photos. It was so great to see everyone! Image Credit: Markus Miller.

Celebrate Mom’s retirement! — Accomplished!

We celebrated at Spaghetti Eddie’s with my parents on the last day of school.

The school had a wonderful end-of-the-year luncheon, where Mom and several other retiring teachers and staff were recognized.

A photo mat was passed around the school and signed for my mom, and all the messages were so sweet!

She received a wonderful send-off after 23 years at Chittum Elementary.

Buy bikes! — Accomplished!

We were able to support a fantastic local business, SCAT Bikes – And, they’re only a few miles from our house!

In one Saturday, we purchased two bikes, two helmets, a bike rack that works for both of our cars, and a fancy adjustable bar that makes my bike more stable when transporting it.

Al took this photo last weekend before we hopped on. We love riding around our neighborhood – Very safe and quiet. We certainly work up a good sweat! The only change we’ll make is better bike seats!

Visit the library at least once. — Accomplished!

I went twice!

I picked up The Man in the High Castle and The Lost Symbol, and then renewed The Lost Symbol. I’m deep into that one now, and loving it! Trying hard to finish it before next Saturday!

Work to write between three-four Book Reviews. — Accomplished!

I finally got back on track with my Book Reviews – Yay!

I’m proud to say that I published four reviews this month – A new record!